Mitchell quartet makes it official

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More than 100 students, teachers, school administrators and family members gathered in Mitchell's cafeteria to witness football star Ricky Trinidad and soccer standouts Arielle Anahory, Breana Pullara and Auburn Cherry make their college plans official.

After watching a lengthy highlight reel of jaw-dropping runs from his prep career and listening to words of encouragement from former Mitchell head coach Brian Wachtel, now the head coach at Land O'Lakes, Trinidad signed with NCAA Division II University of Nebraska-Kearney.

"I've been dreaming of this day since I was little," Trinidad said in a speech to those in attendance.

Trinidad rushed for 1,389 yards and scored 16 touchdowns during his junior season. He gained 609 yards and scored seven touchdowns as a senior but an ACL tear ended his year prematurely. Trinidad, who said he plans to redshirt his first year at Nebraska-Kearney, finished his Mitchell career as the leading rusher in school history.

"I am truly blessed to be surrounded by friends and family who want to see me succeed in life," Trinidad said.

Also signing Wednesday were a trio of girls soccer seniors from a Mitchell team that won its first district title since 2008.

Anahory, who finished her Mitchell career as the fourth leading goal scorer in school history after registering 58 goals and 20 assists, signed with Division II Eckerd College.

Pullara overcame an ACL tear as a junior to score ten goals and assist on 20 others during her Mitchell career. Pullara signed with NAIA Thomas University on Wednesday.

Cherry, a "bone crushing defender" according to Mitchell girls soccer coach Karl Kukec, inked her commitment to Division II Florida Southern College. Cherry completed her Mitchell career with two goals and six assists.

In all, Mitchell won 74 games with only 15 losses and eight ties in the four years Anahory, Pullara and Cherry played for the Mustangs.

"I know they will be starters when they go in as freshmen, and I know they will perform just like they did in high school," Kukec said.